ART
ArtSpace II: Works by the pioneers of 1960s Op Art, including Julian Stanczak and Victor Vasarely, are on display April 1-30. 303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540, artspace2.com.
Biddle Gallery: Made in the Mitten is an ongoing multi-media exhibition of works by more than 100 Michigan artists. 2840 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-281-4779, biddlegallery.com.
Cary Gallery: Infinite Truths, a collection of paintings, printmakings, and artist’s books by Alvey Jones, is on display through April 3. 2t66 Walnut Blvd., Rochester; 248-651-3656.
Cranbrook Academy of Art Museum: Making its North American premiere, Cape Farewell: Art & Climate Change features a collection of artists’ reactions to climate change. Through June 13. 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3323, cranbrookart.edu.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Featuring more than 50 black-and-white photographs, Detroit Experiences: Robert Frank Photographs, 1955 showcases rare and never-before-seen works by artist Robert Frank. Runs through July 4.
• Through African Eyes: The European in African Art, 1550-Present explores 500 years of artwork made by Africans in response to the “varied and dynamic cultural exchanges” with Europeans. Runs April 18 through Aug. 8. Admission: $8 adults; $6 seniors; $4 ages 6-17; children and members free. Wed.-Thur.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tue. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900, dia.org.
Ellen Kayrod Gallery: Showcasing Detroit artists ages 60 and over, The Hannan Spring Open runs through May 7. 4750 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1300, hannan.org.
Gallery Project: Obsession runs through April 12. 215 S. Fourth, Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012, thegalleryproject.com.
Kresge Art Museum: The MSU graduate school presents the Department of Art and Art History Master of Fine Arts exhibition. Through April 2.
• Works of undergraduate students in the Department of Art and Art History are featured in an exhibit presented by The Student Book Store beginning April 10. Through April 25. Michigan State University, East Lansing; 517-353-9834, artmuseum.msu.edu.
MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit): The wordy exhibit For the blind man in the dark room looking for the black cat that isn’t there explores how artists use speculation to understand the world around them. Through April 4.
• The Cranbrook Academy of Art 2010 Degree Show, featuring more than 75 works in a variety of media, opens April 18. 4454 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-6622, mocadetroit.org.
Oakland University Art Gallery: The Art of the Artist’s Book runs through April 4. 208 Wilson Hall on campus of Oakland University, Rochester; 248-370-2100, oakland.edu/ouag.
Padzieski Art Gallery: In celebration of Michigan Glass Month, Five-Glass Artists is on display through April 25. Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan, Dearborn; 313-943-2190, DCACarts.org.
Re: View Contemporary Gallery: Sculptor and Detroit native Katie Silvio’s work is on display beginning April 17. 444 W. Willis, Unit 111, Detroit; 313-833-9000, reviewcontemporary.com.
Susanne Hilberry Gallery: Works by mixed-media artist John Corbin are on display through April 24. 700 Livernois, Ferndale; 248-541-4700, susannehilberrygallery.com.
Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery: The annual exhibit of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child reflective children’s art, Visions of Peace, is on display beginning April 25. 33 E. Adams, Detroit; 313-963-7575, swordsintoplowsharesdetroit.com.
WSG Gallery: WSG & Family runs through April 4. 306 S. Main; Ann Arbor; 734-761-2287, wsg-art.com.
CLASSICAL
Brunch with Bach: Nancy Steltmann, principal cellist of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, performs alongside Jonathan Feldman, head of the Collaborative Piano Department at the Juilliard School. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 18. $35 includes brunch and concert; $15 concert only. Both prices include museum admission. In the Kresge Court of the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-4005, tickets.dia.org.
Chamber Music at the Scarab Club: In its program “Septet and Melodies,” the CMSC presents Suite for two violins, viola, cello, bass, trumpet and piano by Danish composer Hilda Sehested. The program also features From Spoon River by Richard Ratner and Vocalise by André Previn, with lyrics by mezzo-soprano Barbara Bland. 4 p.m. April 25. $10-$20. Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church, 17150 Maumee, Grosse Pointe; 313-881-0420; scarabclub.org/chambermusic.
Chamber Music Society of Detroit: Pianist Richard Goode performs music by Bach, Haydn, and Schumann after a pre-concert discussion of Haydn sonatas and piano demonstration. Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m., followed by the 8 p.m. concert. April 10. $25-$75. Seligman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070; comehearcmsd.org.
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings: Composer David Ludwig of the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia will be in attendance and give a pre-concert talk for “Serenade.” A performance of Dvorak’s Serenade, Op. 44 accompanies something new from Ludwig, co-commissioned by DCWS. Pre-concert talk, 2:15 p.m. Concert, 3 p.m. April 25. First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, 1669 W. Maple, Birmingham; 248-644-2040.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: French pianist Héléne Grimaud comes to Orchestra Hall for a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. The program opens with a work by Canadian composer Jacques Hétu and concludes with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 4, all under the direction of Peter Oundjian. April 9-11. $19-121
• Mozart’s final work, his titanic Requiem, shares the stage with Richard Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration and Serenade in E Minor. Hans Graf conducts. April 22-24. $19-$123.
• James Gaffigan conducts and André Watts is the piano soloist in a concert featuring Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 and Barber’s Essay No. 2. April 29-May 2. $19-$123. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111; detroitsymphony.com.
Michigan Opera Theatre: MOT opens its spring season with one of the grandest operas of them all: Mozart’s Don Giovanni, rife with some of the composer’s best-loved tunes. Robert Gierlach and Randal Turner share the role of the dissolute Don, while Kelly Kaduce and Kimwana Doner alternate in the role of the vengeful Donna Elvira. Burak Bilgili takes on the role of the hapless Leporello and Christian Badea conducts. April 10-18. $29-$121. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-237-SING, motopera.com.
University Musical Society: The dazzling young Chinese pianist Lang Lang appears with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra for a program of Prokofiev and Brahms alongside his longtime collaborator Christoph Eschenbach, who conducts. 8 p.m. April 7. $10-$75. Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor.
• The Michigan Chamber Players perform one of their free annual concerts sponsored by UMS, showcasing the talents of University of Michigan faculty in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. 8 p.m. April 12. Free. Stamps Auditorium, Walgreen Drama Center, 121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor ; 734-764-2538, ums.org.
Vivace: Pianist Ralph Votapek performs the music of Copland, Schubert, Ravel, and Albeniz in celebration of the Birmingham Temple’s Vivace Music Series’ 35th year. 8 p.m. April 17. $20-$23. Birmingham Temple, 28611 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills; vivaceseries.org.
DANCE
Detroit Opera House: As part of the Dance Film Series, DOH presents Dance on Camera: Artistic Dance Films. 7 p.m. April 20. $10. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-961-3500, motopera.org.
Eisenhower Dance Ensemble: The contemporary dance ensemble performs to the songs of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, and others. 8 p.m. April 10. $17 for children, $30-$42 for adults. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township; 586-286-2141, macombcenter.com.
Music Hall: Ragamala Dance presents Sva (Vital Force), a contemporary performance of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of southern India. The performance includes guest artists Wadaiko Ensemble Tokara of Nagano, Japan. 8 p.m. April 24. $27-$47. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-887-8500, musichall.org.
University Musical Society: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago takes the stage under the artistic direction of Glenn Edgerton. The innovative dance company will perform a variety of dances by Alejandro Cerrudo, Jorma Elo, and others. April 22-24. $20-$48. Power Center, 121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538, ums.org.
EVENTS
Friday Art Walk: Kick the weekend off with a night of art, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres in downtown Northville. On the first Friday of each month, select art galleries are open late, and guests can shop and enjoy art demonstrations. 6-9 p.m. April 2. Downtown Northville; downtownnorthville.com.
Frozen Four: This year, Division One men’s ice hockey brings its tournament to downtown Detroit. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. on April 7, where the public can watch team practices and games. The National Championship game begins at 7 p.m. on April 10. Price varies; check the Web site for more information. Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., downtown Detroit; ncaa.com.
Friday Night at the Frozen Four: Enjoy an autograph secession with the team finalists, Hobey Baker Memorial Award Presentation, NCAA Frozen Four skills challenge, and more. Events start at 5 p.m. April 9. $5-$10. Ford Field, 2000 Brush Street, Detroit; 800-745-3000.
Spring Home and Garden Show: More than 25,000 square feet of landscaped gardens, planting and garden supplies, grilling, ideas for patios and decks, and home-energy tips are just some of the features of the exhibition, which also features prizes and contests April 9-11. Noon-9 p.m. Frl.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $8 adults, $7 seniors, free for kids 12 and under. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; 248-737-4477, novihomeshow.com.
Detroit Spa Week: Premier Salon at Macy’s, The Salon & Spa at Saks Fifth Avenue and Halcyon Days Salon are just a few of the area spas participating in this yearly event. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, manicures, eco-friendly treatments and other services for $50, where normal prices range from $100-$450. April 12-18. For an updated list of participating spas, check spaweek.com.
Come Fly with Me Gala: Actors and actresses portraying Mr. and Mrs. Russell Alger, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison will be welcoming guests at the old Alger House, followed by a strolling dinner at the Fries Crystal Ballroom. Guests will also enjoy entertainment by the Big Band sounds of The Rhythm Society Orchestra and the Satin Dolls. $100-$250. 6 p.m. April 17. Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-881-7511.
Ann Arbor Antiques Show: For more than 40 years, the show has offered a wide selection of antiques and collectibles from buyers throughout the United States and Canada. Items range from early American to Art Deco, and are sold throughout seven buildings and numerous tents. April 17-18. $6. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; annarborantiquesmarket.com.
Michigan International Women’s Show: Shop at more than 400 exhibitor booths with items ranging from cosmetics, lingerie, purses, shoes, food, art, and more. Enjoy makeovers and cooking demonstrations and learn how to save on groceries and everyday items from Coupon Queen Tanya Senseney. $7-$9. April 29-May 2. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; internationalwomenshow.com.
Greek Independence Day Parade: The annual Greek Independence Parade is approximately a half-mile route that will start on Monroe Street in Detroit. Authentic Greek costumes are encouraged, while some groups will wear custom T-shirts and sweatshirts. The parade is a celebration of Orthodoxy, Hellenism, and freedom. April 18. For more information visit: detroit.greekparades.com.
FILM
Detroit Film Theatre: Akira Kurosawa’s 1950 film Rashomon is a story of perspective as three people discuss a crime where both a rape and murder were committed. There are glaring differences that lead to not only questions about the crime itself, but also the motives of those describing it. April 2-4.
• Vincere is the story of Benito Mussolini as a young man, before he became Il Duce. Directed by Italian master Marco Bellocchio, this film focuses on the mostly unknown story of Mussolini’s secret marriage to Ida Dalser, and their child. April 2-11.
• Another Italian great, Federico Fellini, directed the groundbreaking classic 8 ½. This 1963 film is the portrait of a man who tries to control everything but can’t. April 3.
• In 1971, a high-level Pentagon official leaked 7,000 top-secret pages to The New York Times that showed decades of cover-up and lies about the Vietnam War. They became The Pentagon Papers, and without them, the war in Vietnam may have dragged on longer than it did. The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and The Pentagon Papers is the story of that official. April 9-18.
• In the 1938 film The Baker’s Wife, a young wife leaves the town baker for a handsome young shepherd. The town doesn’t think twice at first until they realize that the woman is the baker’s wife and he, heartbroken and depressed, has stopped baking. April 10.
• The Detroit Film Theatre brings another opera to its screen. Giuseppe Verdi’s World Opera in Cinema: Il Trovatore is conducted by Marco Armiliato. The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles. April 15-17.
• Mother, directed by Bong Joon-ho ( The Host ), is a thriller that’s a murder mystery, a family drama, and a contemporary film noir. April 16-25.
• Mid-August Lunch is directed by, and stars, first-timer Gianni Di Gregorio, who was the co-screenwriter of the hit Gomorrah. It’s a story of food, strong women, and unlikely friendship during a Roman holiday. April 23-May 2. All tickets $6.50-$7.50. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org/dft.
The Redford Theatre: The Kirk Douglas epic Spartacus follows the historic life of a rebellious slave and his upheaval against a Roman general. April 2-3.
• The Redford presents the Three Stooges Festival, six films of classic vaudevillian comedy. April 16-17.
• The classic 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor. April 30-May 1. All films $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.
Penn Theatre: It’s Paul Newman month at the Penn, and the blue-eyed actor takes center stage.
• Newman plays a young lawyer moving up the Philadelphian social ladder in The Young Philadelphians. Along the way he faces several ethical and emotional dilemmas. April 1.
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is one of the many Tennessee Williams plays to hit the silver screen. It’s the story of a wealthy Mississippi plantation owner unknowingly dying of cancer and his dysfunctional family. April 8.
• In Cool Hand Luke, Newman plays a rebellious prisoner in a Florida prison camp. He refuses to conform to the rules. April 15.
• Torn Curtain is a spy flick. Newman’s character defects to East Germany. But he didn’t really defect. He’s out to steal a secret formula for a professor in Leipzig. April 22.
• Film icons Newman and Robert Redford both star in the 1973 caper film The Sting. The two are con men, one experienced and one wet behind the ears. Both are trying to con a mob boss who had killed a mutual friend. April 29. All films $3. 760 Penniman, Plymouth; 734-453-0870; penntheatre.com.
MUSEUMS
Arab American National Museum: Arab Civilization: Our Heritage features Arab contributions to the early world. Ongoing in the Community Courtyard.
• Coming to America focuses on Arab immigrants and the culture they brought to the United States. Ongoing in Gallery 1.
• Living in America exhibits early Arab-American life. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 2.
• Making an Impact celebrates the stories of Arab-American athletes, organizations, physicians, labor leaders, and entertainers. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 3. From Mocha to Latte: Coffee, the Arab World and the $4 Cup is an exhibit that explores the effects of coffee on the history of the Arab world, as well as its impact on the rest of the world. The exhibit also takes a look at its cultural roots, social traditions, and global institutions. $6 adults; $3 students and seniors. Under 5 free. 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-2266; arabamericanmuseum.org.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: Life for Me, the Artwork of Robbie Best runs through April 11. Joe Louis: Hometown Hero, Crowning Glories: States, Style, and Self-Expression and Who Am I? My DNA Diary all run through the fall.
• Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge, a series of intricate and colorful works focusing on three areas of African-American culture and history — musicians, dancers, and freedom advocates — is one of the ongoing exhibits in the Main Level Corridor.
• A Is for Africa includes 26 interactive stations making up a 3-D “dictionary” designed for children. Ongoing in the Lower Level Corridor.
• And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture is an expansive, evolving exhibit that recounts the 3.5-million-year-old odyssey that began in Africa and ends in Detroit. Ongoing in the Core Exhibition Gallery.
• Genealogy, a work designed by local artist Hubert Massey, depicts the struggles of African-Americans in the United States. Ongoing on the Main Level.
• Detroit Performs is a photomontage dedicated to those who have gained national and international prominence in the performing arts. Ongoing in the Main Level Corridor.
• Target has initiated a program of Free First Sundays at the museum; general admission at other times is $5-$8. 315 E. Warren, Detroit; 313-494-5800; maah-detroit.org.
Detroit Historical Museum: VeloCity: Detroit’s Need for Speed showcases the ways in which Detroiters have used their need for speed on land, water, air, and other forms of transportation.
• The Cougar II is a one-of-a-kind two-door red coupe. It was built in 1963 as a prototype of the Ford Motor Co.
• Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Snack Food Superstars is an exhibit featuring Better Made Snack Food Co., Germack Pistachio Co., Sanders Confectionery, Stroh’s Products, and Vernor’s Ginger Ale.
• Detroit Trivia includes more than 300 years of Detroit facts, divided into four categories. Questions are based on difficulty and include historic images and artifacts.
• Belle Isle: Soul of the City, Lighting the Way for Better Urban Living focuses on better urban living through a healthier citizenry.
• An exhibit featuring more than 200 reproductions of American Judaic treasures from the Library of Congress and other loans from important institutions are on display in From Haven to Home: Jewish Life in America.
• Hero or Villain: Metro Detroit’s Legacy of Leadership examines the controversial lives of 16 public figures from the area’s past 300 years.
• Detroit’s Classic TV Personalities honors seven notable Detroit TV figures, such as Bill Bonds, Bill Kennedy, and Soupy Sales.
• Corktown Works! is presented in the Community Gallery and showcases a diverse mix of urban farmers, working artists, entrepreneurs, and others who came to Detroit in the 1840s and adopted the name Corktown for the neighborhood.
• Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Beloved Sports Coaches features George “Sparky” Anderson, William “Scotty” Bowman, Chuck Daly, Will Robinson, and Dick Vitale.
• Detroit Artists Showcase features John Gelsavage (1909-1988), a Polish-American painter and illustrator from Detroit who spent his career capturing the average working American. General admission $4-$6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Detroit Science Center: Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato makes its world debut in Detroit. The exhibit is a 10,000-square-foot showcase that features 36 never-before-seen mummies. The mummies are on loan from the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato. Through April 11. 5020 John R, Detroit; detroitsciencecenter.org.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Committed to the Deep: Exploring Underwater Treasures explores the changes that have taken place in the last century beneath the surface of the Great Lakes. On display are shipwrecks that divers have explored, as well as salvaged artifacts.
• L is for Lighthouse explores lighthouses, lenses, locations, and lives of their keepers. 100 Strand, Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Exhibit Museum of Natural History: Relics pays tribute to ingenious gadgets, such as a mirrored ball, rotating galaxy projector, video-projector masks, and more. On display indefinitely.
• Collecting for Science: Collections, Science, and Scholarships in the U-M Research Museums showcases collections research at the U-M Museum departments of anthropology, paleontology, zoology, and the herbarium.
• Archeology! Current Research in the University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology is an ongoing research exhibit that examines the questions that contemporary archeologists ask about the past and the techniques they use to answer them.
• Free dinosaur tours at 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Planetarium shows every Saturday. $5. Admission to the museum is free, but suggested donation is $6. Planetarium price is $4.75. University of Michigan campus, 1109 Geddes, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0478; lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum.
Henry Ford Museum: Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller runs through April 25.
• Heroes of the Sky is a permanent exhibit focusing on adventures in early aviation.
• With Liberty and Justice for All highlights four pivotal periods of history, beginning with the American Revolution and ending in the 1960s. Permanent exhibit.
• Automobiles in American Life features automotive milestones, including the 15 millionth Model T, as well as the Ford Mustang. Permanent exhibit. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001; thehenryford.org.
Holocaust Memorial Center: The Auschwitz Album: The Story of a Transport is the first traveling exhibit the museum has hosted. The album was found on the day forces liberated Dora-Mittlebau concentration camp in Germany when a young prisoner named Lili Jacob came upon the hidden album in the SS barracks. Consisting of 56 pages and 193 photos, the book documents the selection process carried out by Nazi doctors and wardens. Through April 18. 28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; holocaustcenter.org.
MUSIC
California Guitar Trio: They say that good things come in threes. Or is it that celebrities die in threes? Either way, these three gentlemen — who hail from Salt Lake City, Brussels, and Tokyo — have blended the disparate musical genres of rock, jazz, surf, and classical music for almost 20 years. Their latest album, Echoes, even features a version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” 8 p.m. April 1. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Robert Cray: The five-time Grammy Award-winning bluesman is backed by a new band of rock ’n’ roll veterans. Cray’s latest album, This Time, also marks the return of bassist Richard Cousins to the fold. 8 p.m. April 2. $32-$35. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
Sonny Rollins: During the rise of bebop, Rollins, or “The Saxophone Colossus,” was growing up in Harlem, where he was taken under the wing of Thelonious Monk. Throughout his career, Rollins made fans of peers like Miles Davis, but has outlived them all. The tenor saxophonist has penned a number of jazz standards, winning multiple Grammys and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2004. 8 p.m. April 6. $22-$108. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111.
Steve Poltz: Poltz not only discovered pop-star Jewel, he co-wrote her chart-topping hit “You Were Meant for Me.” (He also played the male romantic interest in the song’s music video.) With a success like that under his belt, Poltz easily could have hung up his guitar and counted the royalty checks as they rolled in. Instead, he has continued with his own blend of singer-songwriter fare, which ranges from serious to comical. And whatever the tone, Poltz, a J.D. Salinger fan, is always telling a story. 8 p.m. April 5. $12.50. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Leon Redbone: Some may be tempted to label Redbone’s act shtick — the dark glasses, Panama hat, and bowtie. (But then again, nobody questions Bob Dylan for the same reasons.) And while little is known about Redbone’s personal history — rumors persist that he is an Andy Kaufman character, or Frank Zappa in disguise — the vaudevillian performer brings to life the music of the Victrola era. 8 p.m. April 6. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
The Low Anthem: This Providence, R.I., trio have been known to incorporate myriad instruments, including a cell phone and Tibetan singing bowl, into its lush folk arrangements. Their second, and most recent album, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, has been picked up by Nonesuch Records, where they join a roster featuring Wilco and Joni Mitchell. With the momentum of the album, and a recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Low Anthem is setting its sights on high places. 8 p.m. April 7. $13.50. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Daughtry: One of American Idol ’s biggest successes, Chris Daughtry was a fourth-place finalist during the show’s fifth season. Since then, he’s made it to first place with American audiences, selling more than 2 million copies of his debut album and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The album also holds the title as the fastest-selling debut rock album in Soundscan history. Not bad for the fourth-place rocker from North Carolina. 7:30 p.m. April 10. $29.50-$39.50. Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Center Dr., Detroit; 313-983-6606.
Mr. B’s Piano Celebration: The yearly event, hosted by Ann Arbor’s own piano whiz, Mark “Mr. B” Braun, will feature Detroit native and Charley’s Crab staple Bob Seeley. The celebration will also showcase various boogie and blues pianists from the region and beyond. 7:30 p.m. April 10 and 11. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
King Sunny Ade & His African Beats: The title of “king” is not just an embellishment for this juju musician: Ade is a member of Nigeria’s Yoruba royal family. The ambassador of world music, who has influenced the likes of Fela Kuti, is in the midst of a comeback he began last year. 8 p.m. April 14. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: Valli has been enjoying quite a bit of attention lately, thanks mostly to Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning production based on his band’s career. The famous falsetto behind “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is back with Romancing the ’60s, an album of covers from the decade of The Four Seasons’ prime. 8 p.m. April 16. $25-$125. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.
Gogol Bordello with DeVotchKa: The Gypsy-punk band Gogol Bordello, led by chief scallywag Eugene Hutz, is known for its raucous live sets. But the band also lends itself to film, as evidenced by Hutz’s comedic turn in the Elijah Wood film Everything Is Illuminated. Gogol Bordello has also been featured in Madonna’s documentary Filth and Wisdom, and provided a number of songs to Wristcutters: A Love Story. DeVotchka, which means “young girl” in Russian, also draw influences from Eastern Europe, and provided the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Little Miss Sunshine. 7 p.m. April 21. $25 in advance. $27 at the door. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Tim McGraw: In the Academy Award-nominated film The Blind Side, country singer Tim McGraw plays the husband to Sandra Bullock’s character. In real life, McGraw plays the husband to country songstress Faith Hill. Call it “the best of both worlds.” 7:30 p.m. April 24. $29.75-$84.75. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Mark Knopfler: During the heyday of Dire Straits, led by Knopfler’s quick-fingered guitar work and Dylan-esque voice, it was all about getting money for nothing and the chicks for free — an anthem of ’80s excess. More than 20 years later, Knopfler is still looking to get lucky. In fact, he named his sixth solo album, 2009’s Get Lucky, just that. 7:30 p.m. April 27. $69.50-$145. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8463.
THEATER
Detroit Repertory Theatre: In Two Point Oh, a world-renowned CEO and computer whiz tries to replicate human life and emotion in the cyber world, testing the boundaries between reality and virtual reality. $17-$20. Beginning April 1. 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347; detroitreptheatre.com.
Fisher: Broadway hit and Tony-winning favorite Spring Awakening brings its celebration of teenage self-discovery to Detroit. Based on the controversial 1891 play by Frank Wedekind, the musical, featuring songs by Duncan Sheik, follows teens Wendla and Moritz on their journey to adulthood. $25-$80. Beginning April 20. 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000.
Gem: Take a trip back to the 1958 Springfield High School prom with The Marvelous Wonderettes, a pop musical that chronicles the lives of four girls with big hopes and dreams. The audience follows Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy to their prom and later to their 10-year reunion, all to the beat of popular songs from the ’50s and ’60s. Through May 23.
• Written by comedian Rob Becker, Defending the Caveman takes a humorous look at the differences between men and women. Through May 16.
• The one-man show The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? tells the story of Bobby, a young man trying to answer the age-old question, “What do women want?” After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Bobby receives the advice of five mentors, with all characters in the comedy played by writer Robert Dubac. Through May 23. 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800; gemdetroit.com.
Hilberry: In Good, a 1930s German literature professor and family man writes a novel about his personal life that warrants unwanted attention from the Nazi party. $30. Through May 1.
• Aimwell and Archer are two men who have fallen on hard times in The Beaux Stratagem. They plan to travel through towns and steal money from heiresses. But when Aimwell falls in love with a targeted victim, the duo face comical consequences. $25-30. Beginning April 9. 4743 Cass, Detroit; 313-577-2972; hilberry.com.
Jewish Ensemble Theatre: Palmer Park tells the story of two couples, one black and one white, who work together to rally the families in their upper-middle-class neighborhood and maintain their community during the 1967 riots in Detroit. Beginning April 13. 6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-788-2900; jettheatre.org.
Meadow Brook: Based on the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, Enchanted April is the tale of two housewives who travel to Italy to escape their gloomy married lives. They share a villa with two Englishwomen and explore their relationships and goals. $24-$39. Through April 11.
• Breaking Up is Hard to Do takes the audience to the Catskills in the 1960s, set to the tunes of Neil Sedaka. $24-$39. Begins April 21. 207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300; mbtheatre.com.
Purple Rose: Directed by Guy Sanville, the American classic Our Town follows the residents of Grover’s Corners and explores the triumphs and failures of people everywhere. Beginning April 15. 137 Park St., Chelsea; 734-433-7673; purplerosetheatre.org.
Send information at least nine weeks in advance to: Listings, “Hour Detroit,” 117 W. Third St., Royal Oak, MI 48067. By fax: 248-691-4531. By e-mail: editorial@hourdetroit.
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